In a fascinating insight into how Benitez has worked with the players on Newcastle United’s training ground, Hayden says that Benitez’s tactical precision is in stark contrast to working under Steve Bruce at Hull last year.

Bruce’s attitude was to let things take care of themselves, but Benitez has every player knowing “exactly what we’re going to be doing on the pitch”.

Hayden said that he left Arsenal to take on more responsibility and because he wanted to further his football education. Under Benitez, it is apparent that is exactly what he is getting.

He said: “It’s a different ball game (under Benitez at Newcastle). I worked with Arsene Wenger, but maybe because I wasn’t really treated as a first-team regular there, it was a little bit different and I didn’t really open my eyes to certain things, whereas here I’m treated as a first-team squad member and I feel I’ve contributed.

“I couldn’t have imagined learning this much so soon. It’s almost been startling. The experience and the knowledge that he brings to the squad is second to none.

“I think it’s just individual management. He’s so easy to talk to.

Isaac Hayden (C) warms up (Image: 2016 Newcastle United)

“It’s so easy on the training pitch. He knows when to be serious or when not to be serious and have a laugh. He engages really well with the lads and everyone takes on board what he says.

“Some things he says, you sit there and think and say ‘oh, OK’, and it hits you afterwards what he’s said. It’s incredible.

“The main thing is that we know exactly what we’re going to be doing on the pitch. In the last few games, you can see everyone’s on the same wavelength. It’s not about perfection, as you can never reach perfection, but he’s a perfectionist, and every little detail has to be correct.

“That filters through to the players and the fans.”

Hayden has experience of the League Cup with Arsenal but tonight will be the first time he is part of a first-team squad looking to make progress in both league and Cup.

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He said: “I played against West Brom and we won, and the next round we got Chelsea. I didn’t play in that.

“The following year we played Southampton and got knocked out again.

“It’s a competition that a lot of other clubs might look down on or not take seriously. Here, the manager breeds a winning mentality and everyone wants to win every game and play every game.

“Everyone’s on board with what the group and the staff want to do. It shows out in training. Some players might get a chance, others might be rested. You just don’t know. Everyone’s on their toes.

“The main thing for me is that everyone’s focus and doing the right things on the training pitch.”